GM backs Proterra

293124 Jun 2011International

GM backs Proterra

Electric bus maker Proterra has secured $30million (£19million) of funding to accelerate the development of its fast-charge battery electric transit buses and automated bus charging system. The money includes $6million (£3.7million) from GM Ventures, part of the General Motors organisation. “Our goal at Proterra is to fundamentally transform urban transit,” says chief executive officer Jeff Granato, adding that the funding gives Proterra “an enviable platform to compete and win in the electric transit bus market.”

Three prototypes of the company’s EcoRide BE-35 bus are in operation with Foothill Transit in California.